Stories

You almost have to spit it while using a French pout: ver-jer. No wonder, for I found the word hiding in a French classic by Emile Zola, Abbe Mouret's Transgression. The word sounds pretentious; it probably is. People expect pretentious words from word lovers, so I decided not to disappoint with my first entry from my word collection. Verdure.

The verdure of the Big Thicket, a naturally green and lively area of Texas not far from me.

As you see from Merriam-Webster below, it describes the greenness of the plant. It can also describe the plants themselves. Right now in Texas, we're beginning to lose our verdure, an indicator of death and decay. So, verdure can also indicate health and vitality. When Zola uses the word, it's often to contrast the lively garden Paradou with the rocky, barren wasteland in which it sits as an oasis.

It reminds me of verdant pastures and sheep, perhaps also part of the reason I chose it for today. Regardless, I hope you have some fun with it. Enjoy.